Practical information for visiting Grenada

The currency is the East Caribbean dollar, XCD, shared with seven other members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and pegged at 2.70 to the US dollar since 1976; the Canadian advisory says the US dollar is also accepted and that ATMs are available throughout the island but at banks only, so draw cash in town before heading north or to Carriacou. Taxis quote standard fares in local currency and often take US dollars. Card acceptance, bank hours and tipping are not summarised here because no authority page opened for this page spoke to them.

Both advisories rate Grenada as needing normal precautions. Most crime is non-violent and opportunistic -- thefts of unattended items, burglaries from villas, cars and yachts -- with occasional armed robbery and sexual assault; it rises before and during Carnival in August. Secure the accommodation, including a yacht; take care around street and beach parties after dark; avoid isolated beaches at night; use licensed taxis; carry a photocopy of the passport page; and be careful at ATMs after dusk. Thefts from yachts docked and anchored on the south coast have increased, criminals taking cash, belongings and outboard engines, and the Canadian advisory says not to sail between eastern Caribbean islands at night.

The sea and the hills: coastal waters can be dangerous, rip tides are common, not all beaches have lifeguards, and rescue may not meet international standards; hike with an experienced guide, never alone, and stay on marked trails. Check Kick 'em Jenny's alert level and observe its exclusion zone before any inter-island passage.

Roads and weather: road conditions are poor throughout the country and drivers speed; the hurricane season runs from early June to the end of November and Beryl in July 2024 left Carriacou and Petite Martinique with reduced infrastructure; earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

Ambulances are called through the hospitals: 434 for St. George's General, 724 for Princess Alice in Grenville, 774 for Princess Royal on Carriacou, or 911. The Canadian advisory lists hepatitis A, rabies in dogs and some wildlife including bats, and chikungunya from mosquitoes: vaccinate, keep away from animals, use repellent. A yellow-fever certificate is required only if arriving from a transmission-risk country. Insurance should cover local treatment and medical evacuation, and helicopter rescue if you hike. Hospitals, pharmacies and tap water are not summarised further because no authority page opened for this page spoke to them.

Camouflage: illegal for anyone, children included, to wear or import. Drugs: severe penalties, heavy fines or long sentences; pack your own bags. Same-sex relations: criminalised, the Canadian advisory says, with sentences from ten years to life, and the UK advisory adds that public affection of any kind is uncommon and same-sex affection draws negative attention. Driving: left-hand traffic and a local temporary licence. Entry: six months' passport validity and an onward ticket. Property: take legal advice before buying.

Manners are courteous and conservative: greet before asking, dress modestly off the beach, and expect Sunday to be church and quiet. Tipping and drone rules are not summarised here until they have been read on an authority's page.

Emergency numbers: 911 for police and fire; coast guard 399; police headquarters +1 473 440-3999; ambulance through the hospitals on 434 (St. George's), 724 (Grenville) or 774 (Carriacou).

Consular: no Canadian office on the island; Canadian Citizen Services by web form or 1-246-629-3550, the High Commission in Bridgetown, and Global Affairs Canada's emergency line at any hour. Natural hazards: hurricane season June to November with the National Disaster Management Agency issuing local instructions; an active seismic zone with tsunami risk; the Kick 'em Jenny alert level for sailors.